AQW 22528/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health to detail any assessment his Department has made in relation to the impact of the transition from school on the mental health of young people with special educational needs.

Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 13 February 2025

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
13 February 2025
Answer due by
28 February 2025
Answered
28 February 202515 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

Transition is recognised to be a time of increased risk of stress and negative emotions for families and young people. The Mental Health Strategy 2021-2031 is cognisant of transition from education as part of a wider series of interfaces as children enter adult health and social care (HSC) services.

Action 13 of the Mental Health Strategy sets out the Department's commitment to develop proposals for transitions between CAMHS and adult mental health services, engaging widely with all relevant stakeholders. Work is ongoing to take this forward.

In addition to this, a regional protocol to better manage HSC transitions has been developed with a pilot due to take place later this year

Official sources